In a recent encounter, a player of mine used the spell Bands of Steel on a Druid in human form. On the subsequent round I wildshaped into an eagle and the player claimed that the bands contracted to fit the new form. I did not argue strenuously to the contrary or use my DM fiat, because you have to pick your battles, so we wound up compromising. We decided that the eagle was entangled, rather than immobilized, requiring a subsequent DC 13 escape artist or strength check(good luck, birdy) to escape.
I was unfamiliar with the spell because I don't own the Complete Arcane (although I am borrowing it from someone) and upon further review of the description outside of the game, I began to favor my initial instinct more and more. It is a conjuration, and very few conjuration spells change their nature after they are created. The spell creates steel bands which are not known for their elasticity, so if they would still be in human form and medium sized, the druid in eagle form would be able to fly out the top, correct?
I realized afterwards that I could have wildshaped into a large creature, practically negating the spell, but we live and learn, don't we?
I could use some help with this call, as it is one of the player's favorite spells and I expect it to be used fairly often in combat. I am okay with that, but I want to give my mooks a fighting chance too. If anyone has any clever or creative suggestions in regards to circumventing this spell with minimum effort, please feel free to elaborate.
In addition, I am going to go ahead and assume that Freedom of Movement would grant immunity to this spell. Can anyone help me affirm that or correct my assumption if that is the case?
In a recent encounter, a player of mine used the spell Bands of Steel on a Druid in human form. On the subsequent round I wildshaped into an eagle and the player claimed that the bands contracted to fit the new form. I did not argue strenuously to the contrary or use my DM fiat, because you have to pick your battles, so we wound up compromising. We decided that the eagle was entangled, rather than immobilized, requiring a subsequent DC 13 escape artist or strength check(good luck, birdy) to escape.
I was unfamiliar with the spell because I don't own the Complete Arcane (although I am borrowing it from someone) and upon further review of the description outside of the game, I began to favor my initial instinct more and more. It is a conjuration, and very few conjuration spells change their nature after they are created. The spell creates steel bands which are not known for their elasticity, so if they would still be in human form and medium sized, the druid in eagle form would be able to fly out the top, correct?
I realized afterwards that I could have wildshaped into a large creature, practically negating the spell, but we live and learn, don't we?
I could use some help with this call, as it is one of the player's favorite spells and I expect it to be used fairly often in combat. I am okay with that, but I want to give my mooks a fighting chance too. If anyone has any clever or creative suggestions in regards to circumventing this spell with minimum effort, please feel free to elaborate.
In addition, I am going to go ahead and assume that Freedom of Movement would grant immunity to this spell. Can anyone help me affirm that or correct my assumption if that is the case?
If the spell description does not state that the bands resize themselves to hold a target changing shape or form (which it doesn't), then the bands don't resize themselves. Of course, the bands don't resize themselves if the target increases in size, either (ouch!). As a rule of thumb, magic effects are specific in nature and not general. Your player may expect the Bands of Steel spell to act like the Iron Bands of Bilarro, but take the player aside and explain to him the difference in the effects (conjuration/save vs. evocation/touch attack). Also, mention that there's nothing preventing him from researching/creating a different spell that uses constricting bands to hold shapeshifters, but that it would be an evocation spell and follow those rules (i.e., spell resistance applies).
Freedom of Movement states that the recipient automatically succeeds in any Escape Artist or grapple check to prevent or escape from bonds or holds, so it would grant effective immunity. The bands would still appear, but the target would immediately slip out of them.
Thanks, DCP, for the confirmation and clarification. I can see where he got the spell confused with the item,Iron Bands of Billaro. Well posted. I would still love to hear some other ideas for thwarting this insidious spell. For now, FoM is good enough for non-druids, and as we have several more druids to face in this leg of the adventure, Wildshape will be invaluable.
I have to hand it to this player though. He has Glitterdust for NPC's with low will saves, BoS for those with low reflex and something sick and fairly original (I forget ATM) for NPC's with low Fort Saves. He warned me, when he first joined and I told him I hope he challenges me as much as I challenge the party. I prefer close, tense combats with interesting results and creative problem solving. It's actually great as a DM, because he truly illustrates (in a party with 4 casters) how invaluable non-damage dealing spells can be, ala our discussion in another thread.
I have to hand it to this player though. He has Glitterdust for NPC's with low will saves, BoS for those with low reflex and something sick and fairly original (I forget ATM) for NPC's with low Fort Saves. He warned me, when he first joined and I told him I hope he challenges me as much as I challenge the party. I prefer close, tense combats with interesting results and creative problem solving. It's actually great as a DM, because he truly illustrates (in a party with 4 casters) how invaluable non-damage dealing spells can be, ala our discussion in another thread.
Battlefield control spells are usually more useful than direct damage (although the Orb spells from Complete Arcane are a bit of a special case). It sounds as if he's put a lot of thought into his spell selection, which is good thing.
To defeat Bands of Steel, just have the druids bring/summon more large sized pets and/or start the encounter in large animal form (utilizing Eschew Materials and Natural Spell to cast spells). Now that they have seen the party's tactics, they should react to minimize their effect. Also, turn-about is fair, so cast Entangle on them! Chill Metal or Heat Metal, Soften Earth and Stone, and Summon Swarm are also a great spells.
yep, I agree; the bands dont resize and the wildshape can be applied creatively to escape. I also agree that thinking they reshape is reading into it as it is not stated.
... Chill Metal or Heat Metal...
I just had the delightful vision of mixing the bands of steel in question with one of those two spells....
Thanks for the feedback, all. I can't wait to run the druid NPC's again. On Monday night's session, they had moved on to fighting kuo-toan rangers and priests of Dagon (who were fronting as benevolent missionaries), but there are numerous druids allied to the one they fought waiting in the wings, wanting revenge. It would be no stretch to give them foreknowledge of the PC's tactics because they have eyes everywhere.
In the combat monday, the rangers entangled the PC's and I was surprised at how effective it was, even against a party of their experience. I was able to move the rangers in, and while they got pummelled I was able to get a number of full dual-weapon attacks against the party for some very satisfying melee damage.
I have also prepared a Lich with Bands of Steel as a special surprise for them in a tomb beneath the town. Bands of Steel saw a little playtime and I was ready, but not in a "kill the player's night" sort of way (NPC's drank potions, some enlarged, etc), although the player in question is a slippery devil and adjusted his tactics accordingly.
However, I have to agree that an educated, versatile player (especially a caster who selects unusual spells and eschews damage dealing spells in favor of battlefield control/de-buffs) is the DM's best friend, as he forces you to be more creative, thoughtful and adaptive yourself. With some of the previous parties, I have found myself stagnating as a DM, but with this one I feel like I have to come up with unusual, balanced encounters that play out with unpredictable and exciting results every time, and so far, so good.
Thanks again, everyone!
-Syl/ZC
... Chill Metal or Heat Metal...I just had the delightful vision of mixing the bands of steel in question with one of those two spells....
Yikes! Duly noted. *rubs hands together in a Mr. Burnsy sort of way* ...excellent...